Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

SMITH

WESTERN BUREAU:

Political analyst and public affairs commentator, Lloyd B. Smith, has taken over the reins of the 75-year-old Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The chief executive officer and founding editor of the Western Mirror replaces Pauline Reid, who demitted office recently because of ill health.

Smith did a short stint as chamber president in 1997.

Work cohesively

Reid, the only female to lead the business organisation, has served in that capacity for the last three years.

Smith told The Gleaner that his priority was to focus on bringing all the stakeholders in the tourism capital of Montego Bay to work cohesively.

"There is too much disunity in the city and everybody seems to be going in different directions," he said.

He said part of his mandate would be to lead the chargeto get sufficient attention forthe marginalised and the underprivileged.

Stretching a hand

He also said he will be working with the St James Parish Council with a view to having the Montego Bay Redevelopment Plan materialise.

At the same time, Smith said he would be partnering with neigh-bouring chambers of commerce.

"I am stretching a hand of friendship to the Trelawny, Hanover and Negril chambers, because we have similar concerns and, as neighbours, we ought to be working together, rather than against each other."

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com